Los Angeles is filled with different restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods. But most of all, it is filled with different people. Even though I feel like I mix in with the “Angelinos” quite well, I still get looks on the street and people asking me where I’m from. I have answered that question so many times that my answer usually comes before they’ve even finished their question. I usually say “I’m from Finland. It’s a small country next to Russia.” I specify the location of Finland because I assume hardly anyone knows where it is.

I remember the orientation I had prior to my exchange year I spent here in the States. I was told to expect silly questions like “Do you have a polar bear as your pet?” Well, I didn’t end up answering that question – or any other “basic” questions about Finland because surprisingly, many people know about Finland or at least where it is located!. Many people are very aware of the amazing natural beauty, free healthcare, and education system we have in Finland. I’ve also come across a few die hard Teemu Selänne – fans!

The funniest memory I have about Finland being known around the world takes place in Venice Beach a few years back in 2013. I was strolling the beach boulevard with my family. We saw this homeless man selling pins and so we stopped at his booth. As soon as he learned that we’re Finnish, he started naming Finnish cities. The man told us he was a very active traveler when he was younger and he visited Finland countless times. How random is that?! Like that wouldn’t have been funny enough, he started counting from 1 to 20 in fluent Finnish! It’s a small world!

My point is that we Finns are indeed known around the world, unlike what we might think. Also, our reputation is good! I’ll try to keep it that way here in Los Angeles. Go Finland!